Victoria Barrett, PE Teacher for Claires Court Girls wrote an account of the day;

“Everyone was so enthusiastic on the day that Claires Court were the first school to arrive at Sherfield. This worked out great for us as it gave us time to practise and warm up for the first race which was Year 3 and 4. Mia and Rhiannon were nervous as this was their first cross country race, however they were determined to do well. It was a great performance and the Year 3 and 4’s sprinted over the finish line exhausted but delighted with their positions;  Mia Rogers 22nd, Amelia Dixon 30th, Lola Constable 41st, Eleanor Dried 45th, Lily Mae-Morrel 63rd and Rhiannon Thomas 68th - out of 78.

Next it was over to Year 5 and 6, and although nervous waiting anxiously at the start line for the gun to go, once they were off it was incredible! Amazingly Yasmin Paton kept up her speed throughout and came in first place! She is through to the Nationals. Following behind her was Yana Todorova 23rd, Madison Ingoldsby 33rd, Riley Hopley 34th, Amelie Helm 66th and Chloe Coghlan 67th - out of 101.

Year 7 and 8’s were already warming up when I went to get them for their race, very focused and determined. The gun sounded and the girls sprinted strongly to get into position. A fantastic performance by Emily Taylor-West secured second and a place at the nationals. Following behind her was Lana Wallis 13th , Hannah Hale 23rd, Zara Paton 24th, Emily Tapner Evans 31st and Annabelle Ruinet 42nd - out of 76. Well done girls who all ran with strength and determination.

The final race was for the Year 9 and 10 girls who were relaxed at the start of the day but now nervous as it was getting closer to their race. One minute to go and they were taping up their spikes so they wouldn’t fall off in the mud. With strong strides and a sprint over the finish line, Robyn Watkins came first winning the race! Coming closely behind her was Jemma Lancaster, 10th running so hard and really giving her all - both through to the nationals. Cleo Sloggett 14th, Charlotte Webster 16th, Lily Arnold 25th and Georgia Carmichael 31st.

Overall the day was a huge success with four athletes qualifying for the ISA Nationals Finals. On the coach back to school, as a reward, I foolishly bought whistle sweets for the girls, and yes you guessed, they made a high pitch noise! All the way home the coach was full of whistling (to Mrs Heywood’s despair) and laughter. All 24 runners did fantastically well  and Mrs Heywood and I are very proud of them.”